The State of Live: How Independent Venues Power Indiana’s Economy

The State of Live: A new report from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance (IIVA) reveals just how vital independent stages are to our economy — and how close many are to the edge.

Independent venues and festivals aren’t just cultural institutions; they’re tax-paying, job-creating small businesses that fuel communities, support tourism and drive local spending every night of the week.

The independent live entertainment sector now generates more economic activity than the U.S. beer, gaming, or airline industries — yet nearly two-thirds of independent stages nationwide are struggling to stay profitable, squeezed by inflation, monopolistic practices, and predatory ticket resale.

View: National State of Live Overview
View: Indiana State of Live Report
Download: National State of Live Full Report
Download: National State of Live One Pager
Explore: State by State Comparisons

National Findings

According to the State of Live report, the first comprehensive study of independent live entertainment across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., the sector nationally:

• Generates $153.1 billion in total economic output

• Contributes $86.2 billion directly to U.S. GDP

• Supports more than 907,000 jobs

• Pays over $51.7 billion in wages and benefits

These numbers underscore what many communities already know: independent venues are economic infrastructure, sustaining small businesses and creating ripple effects in neighborhoods across the country.

Indiana by the Numbers

Here in Indiana, the story mirrors the national trend. Independent venues, promoters, and festivals:

• Generated $1 billion in total economic output

• Contributed $578.9 million directly to state GDP

• Supported 3,802 jobs across the local economy

• Paid $300 million in wages and benefits

• Produced $97.4 million in annual state and local tax revenue

Despite this major contribution, 64% of Indiana’s independent stages reported being unprofitable in 2024 — a sign of how fragile the state’s live ecosystem has become.

“Every night we see how live music fuels Indiana’s culture and economy,” said Josh Baker, Owner of HI-FI and MOKB Presents in Indianapolis. “Independent stages here aren’t just stops on the tour—they’re launching pads for new artists and gathering places for our neighborhoods. But with rising costs, predatory ticket resale practices, and pressure from corporate competition, it’s harder than ever for these stages to continue operating. This report makes clear what we’ve long known—our venues are vital community anchors, and we need fair policies to ensure they survive for the next generation.”

Policy and Industry Implications

According to NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker, “Independent venues are more than stages for entertainment; they are economic engines and cultural lifelines. This report underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and public investment to sustain these indispensable community anchors.”

The findings highlight an urgent need for Indiana leaders to:

• Reconsider public funding and preferential treatment that favors monopolistic promoters and scalpers

• Support resale ticket price caps to protect Hoosier consumers

• Establish state and local music initiatives to stabilize independent venues and festivals

States like Maine, Maryland, Tennessee, and Texas have already implemented targeted live performance funds, ticketing reforms, and music office initiatives. Indiana now has an opportunity to follow suit and protect one of its most valuable cultural and economic assets.

NIVA Live Policy Summit Comes to Indianapolis

Next week, NIVA will host its annual Live Policy Summit in Indianapolis (October 15–16) at HI-FI in Fountain Square.

Independent venue operators, legislators, and civic leaders from across the country will gather to discuss the future of the live entertainment industry and how to ensure its long-term sustainability. The State of Live report numbers certainly be a driving force in the conversations.

This marks a major moment for Indiana — both as a national leader in independent music advocacy and as a state poised to shape smarter cultural policy for the future.

Read the Full Report: www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive

Learn More About the NIVA Live Policy Summit: NIVA Live Policy Summit Info

DONATIONS DRIVE OUR EFFORTS

ur organization is an Indiana-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the independent live music ecosystem — including venues, promoters, performing arts centers, and festivals. We operate entirely on donations, and your contribution helps us advocate for our members and the broader industry so they can continue delivering the shows and programming that drive the economic impact highlighted in this report. All donations are 100% tax-deductible, and you can make your contribution online today.